Can I incorporate my business myself?

You can incorporate your own business, and most states provide online assistance in doing so. For example, the website for the California Secretary of State’s office provides various forms and tips for filing them properly. Even so, the Secretary of State recommends that “[t]o ensure that all issues are considered and addressed appropriately, you should consult with private legal counsel prior to submitting formation documents to the Secretary of State.” We agree. As we’ve explained elsewhere (Incorporate: Do It Right or Not At All), there are enough pitfalls in the incorporation process that you’ll want to make sure everything is done right from the get-go. Also, it’s not just about forming your own business correctly at the outset, but also knowing how to properly maintain the company from year-to-year to maximize the benefits of incorporation (such as liability protection) and avoid the substantial penalties that can be incurred for not making required annual tax and other filings. For more information, read our articles on The Benefits of Incorporating and Pre-Revenue Companies Must Pay Taxes and File Tax Returns.